South Norfolk set for 1.86pc council tax rise

Residents in south Norfolk are set to face a 1.86pc rise in their council tax bills this year, according to a new report.The district council is proposing the modest increase in its precept from April, which will add �2.

Residents in south Norfolk are set to face a 1.86pc rise in their council tax bills this year, according to a new report.

The district council is proposing the modest increase in its precept from April, which will add �2.43 onto the council tax for an average Band D property.

The proposals, which are below a national projection of a 3pc increase, will be discussed by South Norfolk Council's cabinet on Monday . It comes after the local authority cut �2m out of its budget last year and shed 40 jobs as a result of the economic downturn.

In a report to members Stephen Beeson, head of accountancy, said the council's 2010/11 budget is set to experience 'significant shifts' in income with the likely reduction in government grant support in the future.

The proposed council tax rise will see bills for a Band D property in south Norfolk rise from �130.68 to �133.11, whilst local town and parish precepts are set to rise by 3.8pc this year.

Meanwhile, South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller has agreed to give his first budget interview to Long Stratton-based South Norfolk Youth Action Radio, which launched in November.

Speaking ahead of his interview, Mr Fuller said: 'Young people at the station know hard times are here and no one is immune from the chill economic wind. They want to know what we are doing about it.'

'I'm expecting tough questions, but I will be trying to explain to listeners that we have made savings and efficiencies, we have balanced our budget and we are keeping council tax down.'